# How to Include Product Images in WooCommerce Order Emails: A Beginner’s Guide
Sending out order confirmation emails is crucial for any WooCommerce store. But a plain text email with just order details feels… impersonal. Adding product images significantly improves the customer experience, making your emails more engaging and professional. This guide will show you how to effortlessly include product images in your WooCommerce order emails, even if you’re a complete coding newbie.
Why Include Product Images in Order Emails?
Before diving into the technicalities, let’s understand why this is so important. Imagine receiving an email confirming your purchase of a beautiful, handcrafted necklace. Wouldn’t seeing a picture of that necklace make the experience far more satisfying?
Here’s why adding product images is beneficial:
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Visual confirmation reinforces the purchase and reduces potential confusion or disappointment.
- Increased Brand Recall: Seeing the product again reminds the customer of their purchase and your brand.
- Reduced Customer Service Inquiries: Clear visuals reduce the likelihood of customers contacting you with questions about their order.
- Professionalism: It simply looks more polished and professional than a plain text email.
Methods for Adding Product Images to WooCommerce Order Emails
There are several ways to achieve this, ranging from simple plugin solutions to custom code. We’ll explore the easiest and most effective methods.
Method 1: Using a Plugin (Easiest!)
The simplest approach is to use a WooCommerce plugin specifically designed for this purpose. Many plugins offer this functionality, often as part of a broader email enhancement suite. Here’s how you might approach it:
1. Search the WordPress Plugin Directory: Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New, and search for keywords like “WooCommerce email images” or “enhanced WooCommerce emails.”
2. Choose a Plugin: Review the plugin’s features, ratings, and reviews before installing. Popular options often include features beyond just images.
3. Install and Activate: Once you’ve chosen a plugin, install and activate it as you would any other WordPress plugin.
4. Configure Settings: Most plugins have straightforward settings to enable image inclusion in order emails. Follow the plugin’s instructions.
Real-life example: Let’s say you’re selling handmade pottery. A plugin would automatically add images of the beautiful mugs a customer ordered to their confirmation email, making them instantly happy and excited about their purchase.
Method 2: Custom Code (For the Technically Inclined)
This method requires some familiarity with PHP and WooCommerce’s code structure. Only use this method if you are comfortable editing your theme’s files or using a child theme. Incorrectly editing core files can break your website.
This example modifies the `woocommerce_email_order_items_table` hook. Add the following code to your theme’s `functions.php` file or a custom plugin:
add_filter( 'woocommerce_email_order_items_table', 'add_product_image_to_order_email', 10, 3 );
function add_product_image_to_order_email( $items_table, $order, $sent_to_admin ) {
//Only add images to customer emails, not admin emails
if ( $sent_to_admin ) return $items_table;
$items_table = str_replace(
‘
‘,‘
‘,
$items_table
);
foreach ( $order->get_items() as $item ) {
$product = $item->get_product();
$image = $product->get_image( ‘thumbnail’ );
$items_table = str_replace(
$item[‘name’],
$image . $item[‘name’],
$items_table
);
}
return $items_table;
}
This code adds a column for the image and inserts the thumbnail image next to each product name. Remember to replace `’thumbnail’` with another image size if needed (e.g., `’shop_thumbnail’`, `’woocommerce_thumbnail’`).
Important Note: Always back up your files before making any code changes.
Choosing the Right Method
For most users, using a plugin is the recommended and easiest method. It’s less prone to errors and requires no coding knowledge. Custom code should only be considered if you have the necessary technical skills and understand the risks involved.
By adding product images to your WooCommerce order emails, you’ll create a more satisfying and professional customer experience, ultimately boosting customer loyalty and satisfaction. Remember to choose the method that best suits your technical skills and comfort level.
